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CM Rekha Gupta unveils Delhi’s air pollution mitigation plan for 2026 | India News


CM Rekha Gupta unveils Delhi's air pollution mitigation plan for 2026

NEW DELHI: Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta on Friday unveiled the Air Pollution Mitigation Action Plan 2026, announcing a series of measures including strict enforcement of the “No PUC, No Fuel” rule, curbs on polluting vehicles and a push for cleaner transport and dust control.Announcing the rollout of the plan, Gupta said the initiative builds on the government’s ‘historic’ Green Budget for 2026-27 and aims to translate clean air goals into measurable outcomes.The action plan, announced after a high-level review meeting held at the Mukhyamantri Janseva Sadan, is aimed at tackling key sources of pollution such as vehicular emissions, road dust, construction activity, industrial discharge and biomass burning, officials said.

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Addressing the meeting, the chief minister said clean air and environmental protection were now central to the government’s policy framework and would be backed by dedicated budgetary allocations and strict enforcement.“This is not just a policy announcement, it is an enforcement-driven campaign powered by resources, technology and strict oversight,” she said.Taking a tough stance on vehicular pollution, Gupta said the “No PUC (Pollution Under Control), No Fuel” rule would be strictly implemented with support from Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras and digital tracking systems.From November 1, entry of goods vehicles into the national capital will be restricted to those compliant with Bharat Stage (BS)-VI norms or powered by CNG or electricity, officials said.The government will also regulate non-essential traffic inflow and may consider staggered office timings, work-from-home directives and additional restrictions on polluting vehicles during periods of severe air pollution, they added.As part of efforts to reduce vehicular emissions, the government plans to expand the city’s bus fleet to 13,760 by 2028-29, with priority being given to electric buses.Officials further said the government also plans to improve last-mile connectivity through better integration of metro and Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) networks with feeder buses, e-autos and shared mobility services.To accelerate electric mobility, 32,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging points will be installed over the next four years, while the proposed EV Policy 2026 will focus on two-wheelers, commercial vehicles and the transition of government fleets to cleaner fuels, they said.The chief minister also announced measures to ease traffic congestion at 62 identified hotspots through time-bound interventions and the rollout of an Intelligent Traffic Management System, along with smart parking solutions and pricing reforms.Recognising road dust as a major contributor to pollution, the government said it would deploy mechanical road sweepers, water sprinklers, anti-smog guns and mist spray systems on a large scale, with all operations monitored through GPS tracking and a centralised dashboard.Nearly 3,500 km of roads are to be redeveloped with paved surfaces, green buffers and utility ducts, while construction-related pollution will be monitored through an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled C&D Portal 2.0 for real-time tracking, geo-tagging and enforcement, officials said.The government has also set deadlines for clearing legacy landfill sites, such as Okhla by July 2026, Bhalswa by December 2026 and Ghazipur by December 2027, and have said that strict action would be taken against biomass burning and non-compliant industrial units.The city’s air quality monitoring network will be expanded, and a centralised Green War Room and Integrated Command and Control Centre will be set up to strengthen environmental governance, they added.Ward-level “Vayu Rakshak” teams will also be deployed and the 311 platform upgraded to improve citizen reporting and participation, they said.The government has set a target of planting 70 lakh trees, shrubs and bamboo in 2026-27, with a long-term goal of over one crore plantations across the city.Gupta said the action plan would also rely on innovation and public participation, with research institutions, technical experts and startups being involved in developing solutions to curb pollution.“The Action Plan 2026 is not just about intent; it is a robust execution model with financial backing, strict timelines and accountability at every level. Clean air is not a luxury; it is a fundamental right, and we are committed to delivering it,” she said.The meeting was attended by cabinet ministers Pravesh Sahib Singh, Manjinder Singh Sirsa and Pankaj Kumar Singh, chief secretary Rajiv Verma, representatives of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and Traffic Police, and senior government officials, officials said.



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Pakistan Petrol Crisis: Petrol shock, free rides & more: How is Pakistan dealing with Hormuz energy crisis


Petrol shock, free rides & more: How is Pakistan dealing with Hormuz energy crisis

The Middle East crisis has stretched beyond the one month mark, sending ripples across the globe. While somes nations are hiking fuel prices, others are introducing other measures to cushion consumers from the impact while balancing energy reserves. Pakistan is no stranger to the ongoing energy volitality as the country imports almost 85% of its supplies through the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistan government has already raised petrol prices multiple times since the conflict began, with the last raise being on Friday. The sharp rise in fuel prices pushed the government to roll out emergency relief measures, including free public transport in key regions, as public anger spilled onto the streets. Authorities announced on Friday that commuters in Islamabad and Punjab will not have to pay fares on state-run transport for the next 30 days.

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Balancing Hormuz crisis and consumer interest

The decision follows widespread unrest after petrol prices were raised overnight by 42.7% to 485 rupees per litre, triggering protests and long queues at fuel stations. However, after public outrage, Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif later revised the hike, bringing petrol down to 378 rupees per litre. “This decrease will be applicable for at least one month,” he said during a televised address, adding, “I promise I will not rest until your life is back to normal.Coming to diesel prices, the government had increased HSD price by PKR 184.49 per litre, from PKR 335.86 to PKR 520.35, but abolished the levy, providing some relief to citizens.Detailing the relief measures, interior minister Mohsin Naqvi said, “All public transport in Islamabad will be made free of cost for the general public for the next 30 days, starting tomorrow (Saturday),” noting that the government would shoulder a cost of 350 million rupees.Punjab has mirrored the move, removing fares on public transport and introducing “targeted subsidies” for trucks and buses. CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif also appealed to transport operators not to shift the burden onto passengers, saying, “We promise to relieve the public of economic burden as soon as conditions improve.”In Karachi, similar steps have been taken by the Sindh government, which announced subsidies aimed at motorcyclists and small farmers.

Middle East tensions strain Pakistan

The developments come against the backdrop of rising global energy disruptions linked to the US-Israel war on Iran, which began on February 28. The conflict has led to retaliatory strikes across the Gulf and disrupted movement through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for energy supplies, particularly to Asia.To manage the strain, Pakistan has introduced a series of fuel-saving steps, including a four-day workweek for many government offices, extended school holidays and a shift to online classes in some cases.The economic pressure is being felt acutely in a country where about 25% of the population of 240 million lives in poverty, according to World Bank figures. Earlier in March, fuel prices had already been increased by 20 percent, with authorities initially resisting further hikes.Protests broke out on Friday in Lahore, where demonstrators called for the government to withdraw the increase. “The government, overnight, has dropped a ‘petrol bomb’ on its people,” said Naveed Ahmed, a 39-year-old protestor. “Our nation cannot bear this situation right now. This storm of inflation must be stopped, and relief should be provided to the public.”Hafiz Abdul Rauf, another protester, questioned the reasoning behind the hike, saying, “The rise we are seeing is not due to the (Iran) war, but to pressure from the IMF, pressure that must be resisted. For God’s sake, step back from these demands and show some compassion for the people.”The pressure is not limited to Pakistan. Bangladesh has also raised prices of liquefied petroleum gas and compressed natural gas by 29%. Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund warned earlier this week that vulnerable economies face not only rising energy costs but also disruptions in supply chains. On March 28, it said it had reached an initial agreement with Pakistan on a $1.2-billion support package.



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Rohit Sharma had clear plan about his fitness, form: Mahela Jayawardene | Cricket News


Rohit Sharma had clear plan about his fitness, form: Mahela Jayawardene
Rohit Sharma (Image credit: BCCI/IPL)

NEW DELHI: Rohit Sharma isn’t missing any practice sessions with the Mumbai Indians team. In the nets on Friday afternoon at the Arun Jaitley stadium, he put his head down and mostly worked on perfecting his defensive technique. He refrained from playing the booming hits down the ground.Rohit is 26 days short of turning 39 but the 15 kgs shed by him make him look younger, almost unrecognisable. He is clearly on a mission to prove his worth as an international class cricketer even as he faces constant scrutiny over his place in the Indian team for the 2027 ODI World Cup. The journey started with honest conversations with the Mumbai Indians management last year.

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“He had a clear plan regarding his fitness. Some members of our set-up were involved in his training and he worked towards reaching a level he was comfortable with,” Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene said on Friday.“Even though he didn’t play much competitive cricket, he did a lot of skill work in the off-season. He joined us from first day of the camp and we had discussions on how to start. We ran several simulations and practice matches. For someone with his experience, a lot comes down to muscle memory and understanding situations,” he added.One of the major concerns around him is the lack of cricket he plays around the year after retiring from Tests and T20Is. He allayed those concerns in MI’s opening game against KKR with a explosive 38-ball 78.“Rohit’s case was slightly different since he hadn’t played much cricket. He focused on his fitness for a couple of months and then resumed skill work. Since he was in Mumbai, he used our facilities whenever possible but largely he knows what works best for him. He has stayed focused and relaxed and his presence has been very positive for the group. When I watched him in the nets, he looked in very good touch — his hand speed was excellent,” Jayawardene said.The true test of Rohit’s endurance, ability and fitness will be judged by his run-scoring consistency throughout the long IPL season.



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Those hit by ‘kissing disease’ are 3 times more likely to develop multiple sclerosis | India News


Those hit by 'kissing disease' are 3 times more likely to develop multiple sclerosis

NEW DELHI: Next time you wake up with crushing fatigue, a high fever, a raw throat and swollen glands, take note. The trigger behind it could be something as simple as a kiss.Infectious mononucleosis, or the ‘kissing disease’, is caused by the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) – one of the most common human infections worldwide. It spreads through saliva, not just kissing, but every day close contact.A US study using records from the Mayo Clinic-led Rochester Epidemiology Project, tracking nearly 19,000 people, has found those who develop mono are over three times more likely to develop multiple sclerosis (MS) later. The risk remains small – 0.17% among those with mono versus 0.07% without – but the disease also appeared earlier in those infected.MS is a chronic condition in which the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerves, disrupting signals between the brain and body. It can begin with fatigue, vision problems, numbness and imbalance and may worsen over time.Experts said the link is strong but not causal. Dr Sudhir Kumar, neurologist at Apollo Hospital, Hyderabad, said the apparent rise in younger MS cases likely reflects better awareness and earlier MRI-based diagnosis, not a true shift in onset. While EBV is closely linked to MS, it infects most people, whereas the disease remains uncommon. “EBV may act as a trigger in genetically susceptible individuals, but it is not sufficient on its own to cause MS,” he said, adding it is still unclear if earlier infection leads to earlier disease in practice.He cautioned against routine long-term monitoring after mono, noting the absolute risk is low and over-testing may cause unnecessary anxiety. Instead, awareness is key. Early symptoms – such as blurred or painful vision, tingling or numbness, unexplained fatigue, brief weakness, imbalance, or a shock-like sensation down the spine – are often missed as they come and go, but any neurological symptom lasting over 24 hours should be evaluated.Prof Manjari Tripathi, head of neurology at AIIMS, Delhi, said EBV is widespread in India, especially among children and adolescents. She said, “MS is a complex disease with multiple risk factors – genetic, environmental and immune. EBV may act as a trigger, but it is not the sole cause, and most people with the infection will never develop MS.”Scientists say the findings strengthen the case for preventive strategies, including a potential EBV vaccine.



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Shashi Tharoor’s convoy blocked in Kerala’s Wandoor, five men assault his gunman, driver | India News


Congress MP Shashi Tharoor's Convoy Blocked In Kerala, Security Staff Assaulted During Poll Campaign

Tharoor (ANI file photo)

NEW DELHI: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor’s convoy was reportedly attacked in Kerala’s Wandoor on Friday. One of the five accused has been arrested.The five gang members attacked Tharoor’s gunman and driver at Chellithode, near Thiruvali in Wandoor, at around 7.30 pm.The incident took place at a roadblock on the Chelithode bridge when two vehicles blocked Tharoor’s vehicle. When the gunman attempted to clear the obstruction, he and the driver were allegedly attacked.

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Congress MP Shashi Tharoor’s Convoy Blocked In Kerala, Security Staff Assaulted During Poll Campaign

According to the police, the road was narrow, and Tharoor’s gunman had only asked the vehicle ahead to move faster to ensure smooth passage for the MP’s convoy.Police said that while one of the accused was taken into custody, the remaining have been identified and will soon be apprehended.The Congress MP was on his way to attend an election campaign of Congress leader A P Anilkumar.Tharoor said on his social media on Saturday that he and his security guard were fine. “Truly touched by all the messages and calls expressing concern about the untoward incident last night when my security guard was attacked. He is well and I was untouched. Thank you to all friends and well-wishers. We carried on undaunted yesterday and concluded two more events as planned. And our ongoing programme remains unaffected,” the Congress MP said.

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Kerala Elections 2026: Who Holds The Master Key? Decoding Mood Of Communities



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India set to get 3rd nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine INS Aridhaman; Rajnath drops hint


NEW DELHI: India is set to commission its third indigenous nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, INS Aridhaman, into the Indian Navy on Friday, news agency ANI reported, marking a major boost to the country’s strategic deterrence capabilities.Hinting at the induction, defence minister Rajnath Singh posted on X in Hindi: “It’s not a word, it’s power, ‘Aridhaman’!”INS Aridhaman, part of India’s Arihant-class submarines, is a 7,000-tonne vessel, making it larger and more advanced than its predecessors INS Arihant and INS Arighaat. Built under the Advanced Technology Vessel programme at Visakhapatnam, the submarine represents a key milestone in India’s indigenous defence capabilities.

India’s Defence Exports Jump to ₹38,424 Crore, Marking Record Growth in FY26

Equipped with an 83 MW Compact Light Water Reactor, the submarine is designed for enhanced stealth and endurance. It features advanced indigenous sonar systems and acoustic suppression technologies, improving its underwater detection and survivability.A major upgrade over earlier platforms is its increased missile capacity. INS Aridhaman is fitted with eight vertical launch system tubes, double that of earlier submarines, allowing it to carry up to 24 K-15 Sagarika missiles with a range of 750 km or eight K-4 missiles with a range of 3,500 km. It is also expected to support future K-5 missiles with a range of around 6,000 km.With its induction, India will operate three nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines under the Strategic Forces Command. This strengthens the country’s sea-based leg of the nuclear triad and moves it closer to achieving continuous at-sea deterrence, ensuring at least one nuclear submarine remains deployed at all times.The submarine is expected to be based at Project Varsha near Visakhapatnam, a high-security naval facility designed to house India’s nuclear fleet.India is also progressing on additional naval capabilities, including the planned induction of the Russian Akula-class nuclear-powered attack submarine, Chakra III, and negotiations for advanced diesel-electric submarines under Project-75(I).



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PNB, Union & IDFC Bank see credit outpace deposit growth


PNB, Union & IDFC Bank see credit outpace deposit growth

MUMBAI: Credit growth continued to outpace deposit mobilisation for Punjab National Bank, Union Bank of India and IDFC FIRST Bank at the end of the March quarter, reflecting sustained loan demand in a tight liquidity environment.Punjab National Bank reported global advances of Rs 12,61,420 crore as of March 31, 2026, up nearly 13% year-onyear, while global deposits rose 9.3% to Rs 17,11,476 crore. The bank’s total global business stood at Rs 29,72,896 crore, reflecting a 10.8% increase. Domestic advances grew 12.2% to Rs 11,95,811 crore and domestic deposits rose 9.2% to Rs 16,49,409 crore. The global credit-deposit ratio stood at 73.7% at the end of the quarter.Union Bank of India reported global advances of Rs 10,78,779 crore, marking a 9.8% year-on-year increase, while global deposits rose 2.7% to Rs 13,06,900 crore. Total global business stood at Rs 23,85,679 crore, up 5.8%. Growth was led by the retail, agriculture and MSME segments, where advances rose 12.6% to Rs 5,98,620 crore. Domestic CASA deposits increased 7.9% to Rs 4,59,988 crore, with the CASA ratio improving to 35.2%.IDFC FIRST Bank reported loans and advances of Rs 2,90,362 crore at the end of March, up 20% year-on-year, while customer deposits rose 17.2% to Rs 2,84,327 crore. The bank’s CASA ratio improved to 49.8% from 46.9% a year earlier. It said customer acquisition remained stable through March despite year-end tax outflows and tight system liquidity. It said asset quality stress in its microfinance portfolio has normalised, supporting further credit growth.



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Shreyas Iyer in trouble: PBKS captain fined, one step away from ban | Cricket News


Shreyas Iyer in trouble: PBKS captain fined, one step away from ban
Punjab Kings’ skipper Shreyas Iyer (ANI Photo)

Punjab Kings may be riding high on the field, but skipper Shreyas Iyer has landed in trouble off it after being fined ₹24 lakh for maintaining a slow over-rate during their win over Chennai Super Kings. The penalty comes as Punjab’s second over-rate offence of the season, which means the consequences extend beyond the captain. The rest of the playing XI, including the Impact Player, have also been fined ₹6 lakh or 25 per cent of their match fees, whichever is lesser. The bigger concern for Punjab, however, lies ahead. As per IPL regulations, another breach during the remainder of the season will result in Iyer being fined ₹30 lakh and handed a one-match suspension. With PBKS still having at least 12 matches left in the league stage, the margin for error is now extremely slim. The fine comes on a night when Iyer led from the front with the bat, scoring a fluent 50 off 29 balls to anchor Punjab’s five-wicket win while chasing 209. His 59-run stand with Nehal Wadhera proved decisive as Punjab chased down the target with composure. Punjab’s chase was set up early by Priyansh Arya’s explosive 39 off 11 balls, while Prabhsimran Singh and Cooper Connolly ensured steady progress through the middle overs. But it was Iyer who took control after a cautious start, accelerating against the spinners and playing a range of authoritative shots, including a standout inside-out six off Rahul Chahar. Earlier, Chennai Super Kings had posted 209 for five, powered by Ayush Mhatre’s impressive 73 off 43 balls. He shared a 96-run partnership with skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, who made 28, after an early setback with the dismissal of Sanju Samson. Despite the strong total, CSK were unable to contain Punjab’s batting depth, as late contributions from Sarfaraz Khan and Shivam Dube proved insufficient in the end. While the result strengthened Punjab’s position with a second consecutive win, the slow over-rate offence has added a layer of pressure on Iyer’s captaincy. With a long season still ahead, Punjab will need to be cautious, as another slip-up could see their skipper miss a crucial match at a decisive stage of the tournament.



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